Prime Minister Gaston Browne has heralded the commissioning of a state-of-the-art cargo-handling crane at the Deepwater Harbour as a pivotal milestone in Antigua and Barbuda’s ambitious plan to establish itself as a regional transshipment hub. The new crane, Browne emphasized, is not merely an operational enhancement but a strategic investment in the nation’s future, symbolizing the government’s dedication to modernization, competitiveness, and global connectivity. This development follows an estimated EC$500 million investment in modernizing both cargo and cruise ports over recent years. The prime minister highlighted that the crane will significantly boost cargo-handling capacity, streamline turnaround times, and enhance the reliability of port operations. These improvements are expected to facilitate business operations, benefiting importers, exporters, and local entrepreneurs through faster and more efficient services. Browne articulated a broader vision of transforming Antigua and Barbuda into a premier regional transshipment port, leveraging expanded capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and robust logistics infrastructure to attract major shipping lines. Increased cargo volumes are anticipated to reduce freight and handling costs, thereby lowering the overall cost of doing business. The government also foresees heightened revenues from taxes, fees, and port-related services as transshipment activities grow. Additionally, the initiative is projected to generate employment opportunities for technicians, engineers, logistics specialists, and young professionals entering the maritime sector. Beyond the port, Browne envisions the burgeoning maritime economy spurring new industries such as bunkering, ship repair, marine supplies, and warehousing. He concluded that the transformation of the port into a transshipment hub will serve as a major driver of national economic growth and a significant contributor to the country’s GDP. The crane, Browne declared, stands as a “symbol of progress,” signaling Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to thrive in a competitive global environment.